Ketchum shuffles DC office's execs

September 23, 2002
by DOUGLAS QUENQUA

WASHINGTON: Ketchum has shuffled the leadership in its Washington, DC office, with former director Mark Schannon stepping back to reimmerse himself in client work, and Liz McLean stepping into his former post.

WASHINGTON: Ketchum has shuffled the leadership in its Washington, DC office, with former director Mark Schannon stepping back to reimmerse himself in client work, and Liz McLean stepping into his former post.

McLean, most recently associate director, and previously an SVP in the firm's corporate and technology practice, began her new role August 30.

She has been with Ketchum for three-and-a-half years.

Ketchum said the move was prompted by Schannon's desire to return to client work. "Mark started coming to us about six months ago," said senior partner Lorraine Thelian. "He really missed working with clients, specifically in the issue-management and crisis areas. It's his passion, it's what he loves to do, and he's great at it."

McLean has 22 years of experience in the industry on both the corporate and agency sides. She spent six years at Fleishman-Hillard, and later worked with Maryland Bancorp, Capital One Financial, and Comsat. She also spent five years as an editor and marketing professional at USA Today.

According to Thelian, McLean was the only one considered for the director position. "Liz was the obvious choice," she said. We thought about it.

We stepped back and realized she has truly demonstrated her capabilities over the past year. She has unbelievable support among people in her office, and a lot of support in the executive committee as well."